An inlet valve arrangement for a toilet cistern

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an inlet valve arrangement ( 10 ) for a toilet cistern which is configured to regulate and control the flow of water. The arrangement includes a connector ( 12 ) which is connectable to an inlet water supply, a valve body ( 14 ) which is connected to the connector ( 12 ) and defines a valve inlet ( 16 ); and a sealing mechanism which includes a sealing member ( 18 ) which is displaceable relative to the valve body ( 14 ) between an open position in which water is permitted to pass through the valve inlet ( 16 ) and a closed position in which the sealing member ( 18 ) seals off the valve inlet ( 16 ) in order to prevent water from passing through the valve inlet ( 16 ). An over-centre linkage ( 20 ) is connected to the sealing member ( 18 ), movable in over-centre fashion between a first position in which the sealing member ( 18 ) is in its open position and a second position in which the sealing member ( 18 ) is in its closed position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to plumbing and more specifically to toilet cisterns. It relates in particular to an inlet valve arrangement for a toilet cistern which is configured to regulate and control the flow of water via an inlet into the toilet cistern.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A conventional flush toilet functions by operating a flushing mechanism to expel water out of a toilet cistern through an outlet, following which the toilet cistern fills up again with water via an inlet that is connected to a pressurized water supply. Although newer inlet valve arrangements have been designed, traditionally a ball valve or float valve arrangement was used to regulate water flow into the cistern and to close off the inlet once a water level in the cistern reached a required maximum level. A common problem experienced with a conventional flush toilet is that the outlet tends to leak, either due to a malfunctioning flush mechanism which leaves the outlet open, or due to a worn, damaged or improperly fitted outlet seal. As a result water continuously drips or leaks from the cistern into the toilet bowl hence lowering the water level in the cistern which consequently results in the inlet valve opening to allow water into the cistern via the inlet thereby to maintain the water level in the cistern. In additional to water loss, which has a detrimental financial and environmental impact, this creates an annoying continuous flow into the cistern.

Object of the Invention

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an inlet valve arrangement for a toilet cistern which, at least partially, alleviates some of the problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, there is provided an inlet valve arrangement for a toilet cistern, the valve arrangement including:

-   -   a connector which is connectable to an inlet water supply;     -   a valve body which is connected to the connector and defines a         valve inlet; and     -   a sealing mechanism which includes:         -   a sealing member which is displaceable relative to the valve             body between an open position in which water is permitted to             pass through the valve inlet and a closed position in which             the sealing member seals off the valve inlet in order to             prevent water from passing through the valve inlet; and         -   an over-centre linkage which is connected to the sealing             member, wherein the over-centre linkage is movable, in             over-centre fashion, between a first position in which the             sealing member is in its open position and a second position             in which the sealing member is in its closed position in             which it seals off the valve inlet.

The over-centre linkage may include a stop which is configured to engage the valve body when the linkage is in its second position to hold the sealing member in its closed position such that it can withstand a back force applied to it by the inlet water supply.

The valve arrangement may include a release member which is configured to move the over-centre linkage from its second position to its first position in order to open the valve inlet. The release member may be coupled to a flush mechanism of the cistern such that when the flush mechanism is activated, the release member is activated and moves the over-centre linkage to its first position in order to ensure that the valve inlet is open. The valve arrangement may further include a float which is configured to engage the over-centre linkage and to urge it from its first position to its second position in response to a rising water level within the cistern.

The sealing member may be slideably displaceable within the valve body between its open and closed positions. The over-centre linkage may include two members, adjacent ends of which are pivotally interconnected. A first member of the two members may be pivotally connected to the sealing member whilst a second member of the two members may be pivotally connected to the valve body.

The release member may be connected to the over-centre linkage at the intersection of the pivotally interconnected ends of the two members. The release member may operatively depend through an aperture in the valve body. To this end, the valve arrangement may include an elongate actuation lever, one end of which is pivotally connected to the valve body and a distal end of which is configured to engage the flush mechanism, the lever being arranged in abutment with the release member.

The float may be pivotally connected to the valve body by way of a float mounting which includes a protruding tab which is configured to engage a free end of the second member of the over-centre linkage in order to move the linkage from its first position to its second position as the water level rises in the cistern.

The valve arrangement may include a reservoir which is operatively arranged below the valve body and is configured to collect and temporarily hold water entering the cistern via the inlet, the reservoir having an operatively lower discharge orifice for discharging water held in the reservoir into the cistern. The arrangement may be in the form of a toilet cistern ball valve arrangement. Accordingly, the float may be in the form of a convention ball-shaped float connected to a rod.

The invention extends to a toilet cistern which includes an inlet valve arrangement as described above.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a valve control apparatus, for controlling an inlet valve of a toilet cistern including a float, comprising:

-   -   a float engaging member;     -   retaining mechanism for retaining the float in a retained         position;     -   a release mechanism for releasing the float from the retained         position;     -   wherein the apparatus is attachable to an inlet valve         arrangement of a toilet cistern such that the float engaging         member engages the float of the inlet valve, the retaining         mechanism retains the float in the retained position, and the         release mechanism engages a flushing mechanism of the toilet         cistern and releases the float from the retained position when         the flushing mechanism is used.

The float engaging member may engage a float arm associated with the float.

The apparatus may include attachment means for attaching the apparatus proximate to an inlet valve of a toilet cistern.

The retaining and release mechanism may be an over-centre mechanism associated with the float engaging member and retains the float in the retained position when the float moves the over-centre mechanism beyond its centre position, and releases the float when the flushing mechanism is used.

The retaining mechanism may include a ratchet with a linear rack and a pawl, wherein the rack engages the float engaging member and prevents movement of the float in a first direction, retaining the float in the retained position, and the pawl is disengaged when the flushing mechanism is used to permit movement of the float in the first direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of a non-limiting example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional representation of an inlet valve arrangement in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional representation of the inlet valve arrangement of FIG. 1, as seen from an opposite side;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the inlet valve arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the valve arrangement in a closed position taken along lines IV-IV in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded three-dimensional view of the valve arrangement;

FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional view of the valve arrangement including a water holding reservoir;

FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal cross sectional view of the valve arrangement in an open position;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a valve control apparatus in a first and second position; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a valve control apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the figures, reference numeral 10 refers generally to an inlet valve arrangement, in accordance with the invention, for use in a toilet cistern to regulate and control the flow of water into the toilet cistern via an inlet and to reduce water wastage in the event of a leak at an outlet of the cistern (not shown). It will be appreciated that the valve arrangement 10 is mounted inside the cistern toward an operatively upper region of a wall of the cistern, a pressurised water supply being connectable to the valve arrangement 10.

The inlet valve arrangement 10 includes a connector 12 in the form of a screw-threaded spigot. The connector 12 has a threaded outer surface for engaging with a threaded inner surface of an inlet water supply conduit (not shown). The connector 12 protrudes through a hole in the wall of the cistern. A valve body 14 is connected to the connector 12, the valve body 14 having a first part 14.1 which defines a valve inlet 16 (see FIG. 7) through which water enters a cistern and a second part 14.2 connected to the first part 14.1. The valve arrangement 10 further includes a sealing mechanism which comprises a sealing member 18 in the form of a circular cylindrical plunger which is slideably received in a sleeve 9 forming part of the first part 14.1 of the valve body 14. The sealing member 18 is movable between an open position (FIG. 7) in which water is permitted to pass through the inlet 16 into the cistern and a closed position (FIG. 4) in which the sealing member 18 is configured to seal off the valve inlet 16 preventing influx of water. The sealing mechanism further includes an over-centre linkage 20 which comprises first 21 and second 23 members, adjacent ends of which are pivotally interconnected at point X (see FIG. 4). One end of the first member 21 is pivotally connected to the sealing member 18. On an opposite side of point X, the second member 23 is pivotally connected to the second part 14.2 of the valve body 14. The over-centre linkage 20 is pivotally displaceable in over-centre fashion between a first position in which the sealing member 18 is in its open position and a second position (illustrated in FIG. 4) in which the sealing member 18 is in its closed position.

In the first position, the over-centre linkage 20 is in a non-extended condition and does not force the sealing member 18 into sealing engagement with the inlet 16. The sealing member 18 is therefore in an open position. The valve inlet 16 is therefore open and water is able to enter the toilet cistern via the valve inlet 16. With reference to FIG. 7, water entering the cistern through the valve arrangement 10 flows through the inlet 16 down and along an inlet tube 17 into the cistern.

In the second position, the over-centre linkage 20 is in an extended or over-centre condition (see FIG. 4) in which it exerts sufficient force on the sealing member 18 to prevent influx of water through the inlet 16. The second member 23 includes a pair of adjacent, downwardly facing projections which serve as stops 22 (see FIG. 5) to prevent over displacement of the linkage 20. The stops 22 bear against an inner surface of the second part 14.2 of the valve body 14 when the linkage 20 is in its second position. The valve arrangement 10 further includes a release member 24 whereby the arrangement 10 is moved from its second (closed position) to its first (open) position.

The toilet cistern includes a flush mechanism (not shown) which, when used, allows water to be expelled out of the cistern into a toilet bowl via the cistern outlet. The release member 24, which is in the form of a depending stub, is connected to the over-centre linkage 20 at point X and depends therefrom through an aperture provided in a lower part of the valve body 14. The release member 24 is coupled to the flush mechanism of the toilet cistern via an elongate actuation lever 25 which is pivotally connected to the first part 14.1 of the valve body 14. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the lever 25 is arranged in abutment with the release member 24. A free end of the lever 25 bears on top of the flush mechanism such that operation of the flush mechanism displaces the distal end of the lever 25 in an upward direction which in turn cause the lever 25 to nudge the release member 24 upward which displaces the over-centre linkage 20 from its second (closed) position to its first position (open) position, causing the sealing member 18 to displace to the open position, and allowing water to enter the toilet cistern via the valve inlet 16.

The valve arrangement 10 includes a float in the form of a conventional ball-shaped float which is connected to a rod (not shown). The float is connected to the valve body 14 via a float mounting 26 which is pivotally connected to the second part 14.2 and includes a protruding tab 27 which is configured to engage a free end of the second member 23 of the over-centre linkage 20 in order to move the linkage 20 from its first position to its second position as a water level rises in the cistern. As water enters the toilet cistern, the float is configured to rise with the rising water level. The resulting upward displacement of the float urges the float mounting 26 into engagement with the second member 23 which in turn causes the over-centre linkage 20 to be displaced from its first position to its second position, such that when the toilet cistern has been filled with water to a sufficient level, the float is substantially horizontal and the over-centre linkage 20 locked into its second position in which the sealing member 18 seals off the inlet 16 and prevents water from entering the toilet cistern via the valve inlet 16. Despite that the water level in the cistern may drop due to a leaking cistern outlet, the sealing member 18 will remain in its closed position and the inlet will remain closed and prevent influx of water into the cistern until the flush mechanism is again activated which will, in turn, open the inlet valve 10. The advantage of this configuration is that it prevents constant leakage and water wastage when a toilet is left unattended for lengthy periods, for example, over holiday periods when premises are vacated. It is of no concern that the leaking cistern may be empty of water, because prior to use, the flush mechanism can be pulled which will result in the cistern filling up with water.

The valve arrangement 10 further includes a water collection member or reservoir 29 (see FIG. 6). The reservoir 29 is attached or attachable around the connector 12 of the valve arrangement 10 and is configured to collect a volume of water as the water enters the toilet cistern via the valve inlet 16. The reservoir 29 includes an opening or orifice (not shown) for allowing the collected water to exit the reservoir into the toilet cistern. Exiting of a reserve volume of water temporarily held in the reservoir 29 into the toilet cistern whilst the inlet water flow is retarded due to the fact that the float is approaching the horizontal, assists in lifting the float and hence the linkage 20 past the over-centre point.

The applicant believes that the inlet valve arrangement 10 is an improvement upon conventional toilet cistern inlet valves and will assist in saving water by stemming the flow of water in a leaking cistern.

In practice, a conventional toilet cistern will include an inlet valve arrangement which includes a connector 12, body 14, valve inlet 16, sealing member 18, and float mechanism (not shown). The float mechanism is associated with the valve such that the valve is closed when the water in the cistern reaches a predetermined level. It is desirable to retrofit an apparatus to a conventional inlet valve which provides the functionality of the inlet valve arrangement 10 described above and may be achieved through a valve control apparatus 100 and 110 as described herein.

A first embodiment of the valve control apparatus 100 (shown in FIG. 8), for controlling an inlet valve of a toilet cistern, specifically an inlet valve with a floating cup ballcock type inlet valve, includes float engaging member 101 which is movable relative to the apparatus and is attached to an over-centre mechanism which includes arms 102 and 103. The float engaging member 101 engages at least part of the float, or an arm attached to the float. As the float rises with the water level in the cistern, the float engaging member 101, moves relative to the apparatus with the water level and changes the configuration of the over-centre mechanism (102 and 103). Once the over-centre mechanism is moved beyond its peak or centre position, the float will be retained in this position regardless of the water level in the cistern.

At least one of the over-centre members (102 or 103) is attached to the floshing mechanism of the toilet. This may be achieved by attaching the member 102 to a lever of the flushing mechanism using rope, cable, wire, or another linkage, attached through hole 104. Once the flushing mechanism is used, the flushing action on the member 102 forces the over-centre mechanism back past its peak or centre position to release the float.

A second embodiment of a valve control apparatus 110 is shown in FIG. 9. This embodiment 110 may be attached to a conventional valve body at recess 111, which fits over a conventional inlet valve. The apparatus 110 includes a float arm engaging member 112, which engages part of a float arm associated with a conventional valve. The engaging member is attached to a retaining mechanism which includes a ratchet with a linear rack 113 and a spring-loaded pawl 114. The rack 113 prevents movement of the float in a first direction 115 to retaining the float in the retained position. The pawl 114 is attached to a lever of the flushing mechanism using rope, cable, wire, or another linkage, and is disengaged when the flushing mechanism is used to permit movement of the float in the first direction 115. 

1. An inlet valve arrangement for a toilet cistern, the inlet valve arrangement comprising: a connector which is connectable to an inlet water supply; a valve body connected to the connector and defining a valve inlet; and a sealing mechanism comprising: a sealing member which is displaceable relative to the valve body between an open position in which water is permitted to pass through the valve inlet and a closed position in which the sealing member seals off the valve inlet in order to prevent the water from passing through the valve inlet; and an over-center linkage which is connected to the sealing member, wherein the over-center linkage is movable, in over-center fashion, between a first position in which the sealing member is in its the open position and a second position in which the sealing member is in its the closed position where the sealing member seals off the valve inlet.
 2. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 1, wherein the over-center linkage includes a stop which is configured to engage the valve body when the over-center linkage is in the second position to hold the sealing member in the closed position such that the sealing member can withstand a back force applied to it by the inlet water supply.
 3. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a release member which is configured to move the over-center linkage from the second position to the first position in order to open the valve inlet.
 4. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 3, wherein the release member is coupled to a flush mechanism of the toilet cistern such that when the flush mechanism is activated, the release member is activated and moves the over-center linkage to the first position in order to ensure that the valve inlet is open.
 5. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 4, further comprising a float which is configured to engage the over-center linkage and to urge the over-center linkage from the first position to the second position in response to a rising water level within the toilet cistern.
 6. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 5, wherein the sealing member is slidably displaceable within the valve body between the open position and the closed position.
 7. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 6, wherein the over-center linkage includes two members, wherein a first member of the two members is pivotally connected to the sealing member and a second member of the two members is pivotally connected to the valve body, wherein an adjacent end of the first member of the two members and an adjacent end of the second member of the two members are pivotally interconnected at an intersection.
 8. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 7, wherein the release member is connected to the over-center linkage at the intersection, the release member operatively depending through an aperture in the valve body.
 9. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 8, further comprising an elongate actuation lever, one end of the elongate actuation lever is pivotally connected to the valve body and a distal end of the elongate actuation lever is configured to engage the flush mechanism, the elongate actuation lever being arranged in abutment with the release member.
 10. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 9, wherein the float is pivotally connected to the valve body by way of a float mounting which includes a protruding tab which is configured to engage a free end of the second member of the over-center linkage in order to move the over-center linkage from the first position to the second position as a water level rises in the toilet cistern.
 11. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 1, further including a reservoir which is operatively arranged below the valve body and is configured to collect and temporarily hold the water entering the toilet cistern via the valve inlet, the reservoir having an operatively lower discharge orifice for discharging the water into the toilet cistern.
 12. The inlet valve arrangement of claim 1, wherein the inlet valve arrangement is in a form of a toilet cistern ball valve arrangement.
 13. A toilet cistern comprising the inlet valve arrangement according to claim
 1. 14. A valve control apparatus, for controlling an inlet valve of a toilet cistern including a float, the valve control apparatus comprising: a float engaging member; a retaining mechanism for retaining the float in a retained position; and a release mechanism for releasing the float from the retained position, wherein the valve control apparatus is attachable to an inlet valve arrangement of ft the toilet cistern such that the float engaging member engages the float of the inlet valve, the retaining mechanism retains the float in the retained position, and the release mechanism engages a flushing mechanism of the toilet cistern and releases the float from the retained position when the flushing mechanism is used.
 15. The valve control apparatus of claim 14, wherein the float engaging member engages a float arm associated with the float.
 16. The valve control apparatus of claim 14, further comprising attachment means for attaching the valve control apparatus proximate to the inlet valve of the toilet cistern.
 17. The valve control apparatus of claim 14, wherein the retaining mechanism and the release mechanism are an over-center mechanism associated with the float engaging member and retain the float in the retained position when the float moves the over-center mechanism beyond a center position, and releases the float when the flushing mechanism is used.
 18. The valve control apparatus of claim 14, wherein the retaining mechanism includes a ratchet with a linear rack and a pawl, wherein the linear rack engages the float engaging member and prevents movement of the float in a first direction, retaining the float in the retained position, and the pawl is disengaged when the flushing mechanism is used to permit movement of the float in the first direction. 